The Netherlands is the largest export country of cutflowers in the world. Air cargo transport of flowersamounts to 25 percent of the total annual tonnage ofgoods that go through Schiphol Airport. However, due touncertainty of the future development in internationaltrade, as well as the increasing competition from otherhub airports in Europe and new developments in themaritime transport sector, forecasts point to a less rosypicture for the Schiphol airport and Netherlands.To maintain and improve the international competitiveposition of Schiphol airport as a 'preferred hub' forflowers, it is important to keep up with developments inthe international markets, changes in the internationalvalue chain of flowers and to strengthen the competitiveposition of Schiphol in relation to competing airports(Brussels, Liège, Frankfurt and Paris).In this paper, we develop a conceptual framework thatassesses the competitiveness of Schiphol airportcompared to its European competitors, based on a model that takes into consideration transport and logistics costs, as well as other variables like quality of services and local and business environment. The results show that Schiphol can maintain it competitive advantage due to competitive indicators as trade costs, hub position in international air-networks, quality of handling goods, and the existence of high-quality airport infrastructure and a unique business environment, which attract international business.However, the results of the flower trade analysis showthat Liège airport has become a direct competitor ofSchiphol, as this airport scores better than Schiphol fortrade in flowers above 1,000 kg. Liège airport scoresequally to Schiphol in terms of monetary, transport costsand quality of services.
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Based on the theory of embodied cognition we developed NOOT, at tangible tool that allows marking audio-moments during creative sessions. A detailed analysis of using NOOT in practice lead to a reconceptualization of NOOT within processes of external scaffolding. It also spurred a new design project focused on reflection during group sessions
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This chapter presents the currently not established and identifies design requirements for new systems to address this challenge and provide directions for possible improvement. As a result, this chapter introduces the concept of SamenMarkt®, a participatory system in which multi-agent system technology enables distributed price negotiation, distribution and communication between producers, retailers and consumers.
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